Thursday, March 10, 2011

Antioch - Canon 3

If any presbyter or deacon, or any one whatever belonging to the priesthood, shall forsake his own parish, and shall depart, and, having wholly changed his residence, shall set himself to remain for a long time in another parish, let him no longer officiate; especially if his own bishop shall summon and urge him to return to his own parish and he shall disobey. And if he persist in his disorder, let him be wholly deposed from his ministry, so that no further room be left for his restoration. And if another bishop shall receive a man deposed for this cause, let him be punished by the Common Synod as one who nullifies the ecclesiastical laws.

Elders, deacons, and those recognized spiritual leaders were bound to the church which had ordained them. This was not a restriction as much as an understanding that the Lord raises up qualified spiritual men from within a local gathering to lead that church. For one to go off to another area and begin a work without being sent was disrespecting both those for whom Christ died and brought together in fellowship in the departed church, but he also has disregarded the Lord's sovereign work in supplying knowledge, giftedness, and a place in which to minister. This canon did not address the proper leading of the Holy Spirit to go out as a missionary endeavor, since that was accomplished with the blessing of the church.

This synod recognized the place of the priesthood as something distinct from the typical congregant. The priesthood of all believers was taking a backseat to a resurgence of the Levitical priesthood which requires certain appointed individuals were allowed to bring spiritual sacrifices before Lord and the heavenly mercy seat in direct contradiction to God's intended desires.